very many cases the harm is done by trying to assist nature, and, on account of an ignorance of the natural laws, the intended assistance becomes a positive interference; and it is in view of this fact that the author tells us what not to do, as well as what to do; and whenever the mother is in doubt as to her course, she has only to turn to the chapter treating of the subject under consideration, and her mind is at once relieved.
Full instruction is given in regard to the clothing of infants. And nothing is more important; for one would suppose we should find deaths from pulmonary complaints, such as pneumonia and bronchitis, more frequent in adult life,—our occupations being of such a nature as to constantly expose us to the vicissitudes of the weather,—but the opposite is the fact, and the mortality from these diseases is far greater during childhood. The sources from which animal heat is derived, are smallest at birth, and increase till the child is full grown; but, instead of realizing this fact, and protecting the child with sufficient clothing, it is supposed to be comfortable when large portions of the body are entirely uncovered, while the parents find much more clothing requisite for both comfort and health—and the result is that many perish, and others are compelled to go on through life with impaired constitutions, for the condition of the pulmonary organs in after life depends, to a very great extent, on the treatment the person received during the tender period of infancy.
"'Tis the work
Of many a dark hour and of many a prayer
To bring the heart back from an infant gone."—N. P. Willis.
